Educating Pet Owners and Arresting Offenders

The Law Enforcement Department plays a critical role in addressing cruelty to animals in our community. Our organization maintains an SPCA designation and is charged with investigating and enforcing the animal cruelty laws of New York State. With three animal cruelty investigators, the law enforcement department receives no government or agency funding.

Our Officers' Role in the Community

Our law enforcement officers are certified state peace officers with the authority to make arrests—not “dogcatchers” or animal control officers. The department serves Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee counties. Officers also assist authorities in other areas, such as Wayne County. Investigators respond to concerns about animal cruelty reported through our Animal Cruelty Hotline, as well as cases referred by other law enforcement agencies.

Our officers usually spend several hours each day out in the field, responding to calls. Their main daily task is to respond to potential situations of animal cruelty and educate the public on how to provide responsible care for their pets and farm animals and how to stay within the law. Their job descriptions do not include picking up roaming pets, or dead animals from the side of the road, or removing wildlife from people’s homes.

Did You Know?

In 2013, the Law Enforcement department made 1,702 field visits, seized or otherwise received 114 animals, and made 19 arrests.

The majority of the incoming calls involved dogs and cats, but farm animals—especially horses—also made up a large proportion. The arrests mostly arose from misdemeanor cases involving severely neglected, emaciated animals. Read the 2013 Humane Law Enforcement Report.

Online Resources

Please note that, although we have provided links to the websites of other animal welfare organizations, Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit that does not receive funds from any national organizations.

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During weekdays, calls are answered by our dispatcher who will ask for your name and contact information so that we may follow up later if necessary. However, the department will keep your identity confidential. Cases are then handled according to the severity of the animal’s situation.

If you contact the department after hours to report an emergency, you will hear a message advising you to call 9-1-1.